MANILA, Philippines – “It’s Showtime” host and actress Anne Curtis has rejected the apology issued by Quezon City 4th District Rep. Bong Suntay following the lawmaker’s controversial use of her name during a House hearing.
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| Photo courtesy: Anne Curtis (Facebook)/Screenshot from House of Representatives (Facebook) |
The incident stemmed from remarks made by Suntay while giving an analogy during the hearing of the House Committee on Justice regarding impeachment complaints against Sara Duterte.
“Minsan nasa Shangri-La ako, nakita ko si Anne Curtis. Ang ganda-ganda pala niya. You know, may desire sa loob ko na nag-in*t talaga, at na-imagine ko na lang kung ano ang puwedeng mangyari. Pero siyempre hanggang imagination lang ’yon,” the solon said, that made the online world abuzz.
In a lengthy statement posted on social media, Curtis said she was shocked, hurt, and disturbed after learning that her name had been used in what she described as a “vulgar and s*x*alized analogy.”
According to the actress, her name was used without her consent and in a completely inappropriate context.
“My initial reaction was one of shock. I was hurt, disturbed by how perv*rted it was, and angry,” Curtis said in her statement.
She added that while the issue initially felt personal, she later realized it reflected a broader problem regarding how women are often treated and spoken about in public and private spaces.
Curtis emphasized that such remarks toward women are not uncommon and often happen in offices, group chats, or rooms where men believe no one is listening. However, she said the issue was more alarming because the comment came from a public official.
“Misogyny dressed up as a joke is still misogyny,” she said, stressing that government officials should set an example of respect for all citizens, including women.
Curtis also made it clear that she does not accept Suntay’s apology.
“I do not accept your non-apology,” she said.
However, the actress said she accepts the apology issued by the lawmaker’s wife, acknowledging the embarrassment the incident may have caused the family.
Curtis also revealed she is seeking legal advice and considering possible next steps, while urging the ethics committee to address the issue seriously.
She ended her statement by thanking those who supported her and noting that the incident highlights why Women’s Month continues to matter.
Meanwhile, Suntay’s camp has yet to issue a response to Curtis’ remarks.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express